News Release

Updates from Hurricane Florence

Date: September 16, 2018

Updated Status Of Park Facilities 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will continue to see impacts from the remnants of Tropical Storm Florence throughout tonight and into Monday. A steady rain has been falling over the park most of the day and although winds have been relatively light at lower elevations, (sustained 5 mph, with gusts of 15-20 mph), higher elevations are seeing stronger winds as forecasted. The weather station at Clingmans Dome has showed sustained winds of 20-30 mph throughout the day with gusts over 50 mph. A wind advisory for the North Carolina side of the park remains in effect until 6 pm tonight.

All facilities and roads that were closed in anticipation of the storm will REMAIN CLOSED OVERNIGHT on Sunday.

On Monday morning, crews will begin assessments of storm impacts and will begin opening areas to the public as quickly as possible, once it is deemed safe to do so. Depending on the extent of storm damage, this process could happen quickly, or take up to several days.

Efforts will be made to update the park’s website and Facebook pages as quickly as possible as areas are re-opened.  
For up-to-date information about roads and trail closures, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm, follow the park on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GreatSmokyMountainsNPS, or follow “SmokiesRoadsNPS” on Twitter.